by Eric Hamelback

Horse racing is woven into the cultural and economic fabric of Florida as well as the United States. For generations, our sport has brought communities together, created jobs, served as the foundation for vibrant local economies and sparked an economic-driving industry. However, the proposed changes in Florida House Bill 105, supported by The Stronach Group (TSG), threaten to unravel this legacy by decoupling live thoroughbred horse racing from gaming operations. This legislation is not just a Florida issue; it represents a dangerous precedent that could jeopardize the future of horse racing across the nation.

Historically, the horse-racing industry has been a key partner in establishing casinos in many states. Without this partnership, it is unlikely that gaming would have gained the foothold it enjoys today. When casinos first sought to expand into new markets, they aligned with the horse-racing industry, leveraging our sport’s rich history and community support to build the trust needed for their establishment. In return, the horse-racing industry benefited from the revenues by receiving tariffs (not subsidies) generated by gaming, thus creating a mutually beneficial relationship that has sustained jobs, communities and state economies for decades.

Now, Florida HB 105 seeks to undermine that partnership by allowing thoroughbred permit-holders to cease live racing while retaining their gaming licenses. This move—known as decoupling—would sever the critical link between live horse racing and gaming, increasing our society’s separation from agriculture and jeopardizing an industry that has contributed significantly to Florida’s identity and economy.

TSG would not be in this situation of seeking to decouple if it were not from the benefits gained through racing. Live horse racing is more than a sport; it is an economic engine that supports thousands of jobs. Trainers, jockeys, breeders, farm workers, veterinarians and countless other professionals depend on the industry for their livelihoods. In Florida alone, thoroughbred racing generates millions of dollars in revenue for the state. The ripple effects would extend far beyond the racing industry, impacting local economies and the economic benefits that live racing provides.

What happens in Florida won’t likely stay in Florida. If HB 105 passes, it will embolden similar efforts in other states where live racing is coupled with gaming. Decoupling could create a domino effect, undermining the fragile ecosystems that support horse racing nationwide.

Take states such as Arkansas, Louisiana, Pennsylvania, Oklahoma, Indiana and many others, where live racing is deeply intertwined with gaming. If decoupling becomes the norm, states could face similar challenges, risking the closure of tracks, the loss of jobs and further separation of our sport’s cultural and agricultural significance. 

Allowing gaming licenses to exist without live racing undermines the very principles upon which these partnerships were built. When states approved gaming, it was statutorily defined that the revenues would help support live racing, rural economies and agricultural industries. The act of decoupling breaks this promise, and will be detrimental to the long-term health of the horse-racing industry and the agri-businesses it supports.

Without the consistent presence of live events, our sport risks losing its already tenuous connection to fans and will only increase the degree of separation from agriculture for future generations. 

Now is the timeforhorsemen and horsewomen across the country to stand united with the National HBPA in opposing Florida HB 105 and any similar legislation that threatens the future of live racing. We cannot afford to let decoupling dismantle an industry that has given so much to our states and communities. The horse-racing industry has proven its value time and again, not only as a source of entertainment but as a driver of economic growth.

I urge Florida legislators to consider the broader implications of this bill. Decoupling may seem like a minor administrative change, but the consequences will be anything but small. It threatens jobs, our communities and a way of life for those of us lucky enough to work in this industry.

But the Florida lawmakers need to hear from horsemen and women, industry stakeholders and fans of this great sport. We must ensure they understand what is at stake with this short-sighted legislation. The future of horse racing depends on it and together, we can protect an industry through a sport that has given so much to so many.

Eric Hamelback is the chief executive officer of the National Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association (HBPA)

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